Tell me more! Pattern 1859 Naval Cutlass Bayonet - Markings

[ColonelKlink1942]

Hey gang,

I'll quickly preface this post by apologizing in advance if it wastes time, but it's been on my mind whether to post about and ask questions or not, so I'm taking that chance.

Here's a recent addition to the collection, the Pattern 1859 naval cutlass bayonet, and what an elegant brute it is!

I was hesitant to post about this since it retains all of its British-Solingen inspector marks, and I don't see any evidence of removal, so likely, this particular bayonet didn't get imported, nor did it see service in the ACW. However, one gentleman on another forum suggested that the inventory markings (which I'll post photos of), a "16" on the right pommel and a "1" on the scabbard's frog stud, shared a similar size and font style to those that have been imported by the Confederacy. I have not found anything to back this up yet, but I am curious if anyone has seen such markings (or ones like it) on Confederate-imported longarms and bayonets. It would be interesting to confirm or debunk this, so I may put it to rest.

A beautiful bayonet nonetheless, and one that I'm pleased to own. Photos below:

 

[ColonelKlink1942]

 

[Grim Sentinels Research]

I completely understand your hesitation in posting and hope one of the forum's knowledgeable members can help with your queries. Great post & photos

 

[JackADriscoll]

VERY SCARCE CONFEDERATE NAVY IMPORTED BRITISH 1859 PATTERN, TYPE-II, NAVAL CUTLASS BAYONET WITH CONTROL NUMBERS — Horse Soldier

Here's a posting from horse soldier on one

 

[OldSarge79]

Unfortunately, those marking are not Confederate.

One thousand Naval rifles with P59 cutlass bayonets were imported by the Confederacy on the blockade runner Fingal in 1862. All had engraved numbers on the opposite side, as shown in the link provided by @JackADriscoll . I have one numbered 812.

Regardless, yours is a nice bayonet.

 

[ColonelKlink1942]

I thought as much. Looking at the above link, those markings are different from mine (and obviously mine is not one of the 1,000), so that answers that.

Thank you, gentlemen!